Secretary of Defense, DCI Announce NIMA Director

Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld and Director of Central Intelligence George J. Tenet today jointly announced the appointment of Lieutenant General James R. Clapper Jr. (USAF-ret.) as the new Director of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA).

Lt. Gen. Clapper, who served as Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency from 1991 to 1995, succeeds Lieutenant General James C. King, USA, who has headed NIMA since March 1998 and will be retiring from the Army later this year after more than three decades of distinguished service.

Tenet described Lt. Gen. Clapper as a "legend in the intelligence business," adding that he led DIA into the post-Cold War era with "wisdom and foresight."

"At NIMA, he will head an agency that is not yet five years old, but whose mission of full-service imagery and mapping support is more critical today than ever," Tenet said.

The DCI also praised Lt. Gen. King, saying his "clear thoughts and decisive actions have left NIMA a stronger and better place."

Last week, Tenet announced that Joanne O. Isham, the CIA’s Deputy Director for Science and Technology, will be the Deputy Director of NIMA. She succeeds John L. Helgerson, a career CIA officer who has been named Chairman of the National Intelligence Council.

NIMA, established on October 1, 1996, is responsible for the collection of imagery through the use of both national and commercial assets. It also advises others responsible for collecting imagery using theater and tactical reconnaissance assets. NIMA produces timely imagery, imagery intelligence, and geospatial information in support of the nation’s military forces, policymakers, and civil customers.